People call the Phoenix area the Valley of the Sun for a reason. With 240 days of sunshine a year, Yuma is the sunniest city not only in the country but also in the world. Phoenix brings in an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year.[1,2]
Ideally, using solar panels to harness that power significantly reduces home ownership and maintenance costs. Solar panels make a homeowner part of the climate change solution instead of part of the problem. However, in many cases, solar panels add extra costs to an already costly construction or renovation project while providing few tangible benefits.
Despite the mixed record of solar panels, many Phoenix roofing contractors aggressively sell these add-ons, mostly to charge more for the job. But at Four Peaks Roofing, we tailor our services to your needs. These needs usually include solar panels, but that’s not always the case.
Selecting Phoenix Solar Panel-Friendly Roofers
Expertise and reliability might be the two most important qualities when searching for Phoenix solar panel-friendly roofers.
Phoenix solar panel-friendly roofers with expertise mean more than “we’ve done this before.” Expertise means “we’ve successfully done this before.” As outlined below, installing solar panels on a roof requires more than attaching them to the tiles. Solar panels must be properly integrated to form an eye-catching look and adequately wired to reduce maintenance costs.
Quite simply, reliable people and reliable Phoenix solar panel-friendly roofers keep their commitments. If we promise to start your project on X date, finish on Y date, and charge Z dollars, the final XYZ is consistent with those original estimates.
Integrating Solar Energy Systems with Traditional Roofing Structures
Let’s face it. Rooftop solar panels often look cheap and showy. That’s why we usually recommend building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).[3] These modules make solar panels longer-lasting, less intrusive, and more effective.
Visually, BIPV does away with the old mount-and-frame method. Our expert installers weave solar panels into your roof, making them almost invisible. Alternate designs showcase these integrated panels, enhancing visual interest and curb appeal.
Some options include:
- Since they don’t require glass covering or framing, Sunflare’s flexible and thin SUN2 cell modules easily conform to irregular roof shapes, standard on many larger homes in Phoenix.
- 3 IN 1 solar tiles, including completely concealed panels, offer various colors and finishes.
- CertainTeed, a venerable construction company that recently expanded into solar tiles, manufactures Apollo II tiles to match the profile of other concrete tiles and create a seamless and completely watertight roof with advanced solar capabilities.
- MiaSolé offers flexible solar modules that can be fitted onto curved structures or incorporated into framing materials. Their lightweight and low-profile products can even be used on the roofs of semi-truck trailers.
BIPV is different under the hood as well. These plug-and-play modules are much easier to install and connect. That change means greater efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Additionally, BIPV solar panel modules house most components internally. This means these panels are integrated into the building structure rather than separated. This ensures that panels are less susceptible to environmental issues like wind, rain, and hail.
Finally, BIPV is flexible. If you add rooms to your house or want more solar panels, our team can finish the job without reinventing the wheel.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Finding Phoenix Solar Panel-Friendly Roofers
Aesthetics and performance are essential, but in most cases, rooftop solar panels usually come down to a matter of dollars and cents.
The aforementioned advanced solar panels and others like them aren’t cheap. In fact, in some cases, they could double the cost of a replacement or renovation project.
Homeowners should also consider maintenance costs. Traditionally, maintenance and cleaning costs could exceed $1,000 per year. BIPV integration could significantly lower these costs, as outlined above.
Now for the financial benefits. Arizona homeowners could be entitled to a 30 percent federal tax credit and a 25 percent state credit. Furthermore, the energy savings usually well exceed the maintenance costs. These savings add up because solar panels generally last about twenty-five years.
Dollars and cents are the primary factors to consider, but certainly not the only factor. Rooftop solar panels make a powerful statement. Everyone who sees the house knows that the owners take environmental responsibility seriously and are willing to invest their time and money to make our planet more sustainable. For many, that statement alone is worth the cost of rooftop solar panels.
Contact Our Phoenix Area Roofing Professionals
At Four Peaks Roofing, we’re committed to sustainable and cost-effective solutions. To get started, go online now or give us a call today!
Sources:
[1] https://www.redfin.com/blog/sunniest-cities-in-the-us/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Phoenix
[3] https://www.seia.org/initiatives/building-integrated-photovoltaics
